Safety Specialist

Liberty Steel & Wire; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Steel USA in Peoria, IL seeks a Senior Safety Specialist to lead safety programs, audits, and training across plant operations. This floor-based role partners with operations leadership to reduce incidents and foster a strong safety culture in a unionized steel mill environment.

The position requires credibility and excellent communication to influence behaviors from hourly workers to plant leadership, with daily on-site presence and responsibility for OSHA compliance and incident

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field preferred.
• High School Diploma with 5+ years experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment; steel industry.
• Working knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards.
• Strong communication and coaching skills across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of plant safety programs (lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, hot work, and others).
• Conduct safety audits, job hazard analyses, and incident investigations.
• Track and analyze safety metrics, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver safety training for employees and supervisors.

Skills

Safety program leadership

Communication & coaching

Incident investigations

OSHA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety/Environmental Health

High School Diploma

Job description

Senior Safety/ Health Specialist

Location: Peoria, IL (on-site with regular time on the plant floor)

Employment type: Full-time. On call as needed.

Salary grade: SG22 (average starting range $75,000 - $92,000)

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, additional voluntary benefits (accident insurance, critical illness, and employee, spouse, and child whole life), flexible spending account (healthcare and dependent daycare), long-term disability, and participation in employee assistance program (EAP).

Paid Time Off - Generous vacation, sick leave, personal, and holidays

Retirement Plans - 401(k) with company match. Eligible: 1st of the month following date of hire or immediate if date of hire is first of the month.

Career Growth - Opportunities for advancement and continuous learning.

Organizational Overview

Liberty Steel USA is a leading American steel manufacturer grounded in sustainability, innovation, and community. We forge steel that supports critical infrastructure and industrial growth while honoring a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to safety.

We strive to be the employer and supplier of choice in American steelmaking, driven by empowered people, advanced technology, and continuous improvement. Steelmaking has always evolved, and we view change as an opportunity to strengthen our operations, invest in our workforce, and improve how we work.

Safety is not a policy-it is a promise. In every decision, we prioritize the well-being of our people. We believe our strength lies in one another and in the communities we serve. Through responsible stewardship, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect our environment, support our workforce, and ensure long-term vitality for future generations.

Position Overview

The Senior Safety Specialist is a senior member of the Health & Safety team, leading safety programs, audits, and training across plant operations. This role partners directly with operations leadership to reduce incidents and build a strong, sustainable safety culture in a unionized steel mill environment.

This is a visible, floor-based role that requires the credibility and communication skills to influence behavior at every level of the organization, from hourly employees to plant leadership.

Core Responsibilities

Safety Program Leadership

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of plant safety programs (lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, hot work, and others)
• Conduct safety audits, job hazard analyses, and incident investigations
• Track and analyze safety metrics, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulatory requirements

Training & Culture

• Develop and deliver safety training for employees and supervisors
• Partner with supervisors to reinforce safety expectations and coach on hazard recognition
• Support new employee safety onboarding

Incident Management

• Lead or support investigations of injuries, near misses, and property damage incidents
• Maintain accurate incident documentation and regulatory reporting (OSHA 300 logs and others)
• Partner with Labor Relations on safety-related disciplinary matters

Qualifications

Candidates interested in this role should have the following qualifications:

• Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field preferred
  • Experience in a unionized environment
  • BCSP Safety certifications
• Required
  • High School Diploma with 5+ years experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment; steel industry
  • Working knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards
  • Strong communication and coaching skills across all levels of the organization

Success In This

Role

Success in this role requires a credible, visible safety presence who builds trust with the hourly workforce and union leadership alike. The Senior Safety Specialist must balance regulatory rigor with practical, floor-level coaching, and be willing to have direct conversations when safety expectations aren't being met.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.